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2024 Backup Quarterback Salaries: Latest Contracts And Averages

Trends January 16, 2025

Who are the highest-paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL?

Backup quarterbacks are an important part of any NFL team. They are responsible for stepping in and playing at a high level if the starting quarterback is injured or needs a break. As a result, backup quarterbacks can command high salaries.

The highest-paid backup quarterback in the NFL is Jacoby Brissett, who is set to earn $5 million in 2024. Brissett is a veteran quarterback who has started games for several teams throughout his career. He is a capable backup who can provide a solid performance if called upon.

Other high-paid backup quarterbacks include:

Teddy Bridgewater - $4.5 million
Andy Dalton - $4 million
Colt McCoy - $3.5 million
Gardner Minshew - $3 million

These quarterbacks are all experienced players who can provide a solid performance if called upon. They are an important part of their respective teams and are well compensated for their services.

Backup QB Salaries 2024

Average salary: The average salary for backup quarterbacks in the NFL is around $2 million per year.
Top earners: The highest-paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL can earn up to $5 million per year.
Experience: Backup quarterbacks with more experience tend to earn higher salaries.
Performance: Backup quarterbacks who perform well when called upon can earn higher salaries.
Team need: Teams that have a greater need for a reliable backup quarterback may be willing to pay more.
Market value: The market value for backup quarterbacks can fluctuate depending on the supply and demand.
Negotiating power: Backup quarterbacks with strong negotiating power can command higher salaries.

These are just some of the key factors that can affect backup quarterback salaries in the NFL. By understanding these factors, teams and players can better negotiate contracts that are fair and equitable.

1. Average salary

The average salary for backup quarterbacks in the NFL is around $2 million per year. This is a significant amount of money, but it is important to remember that backup quarterbacks are not as valuable as starting quarterbacks. Starting quarterbacks are responsible for leading their teams to victory, while backup quarterbacks are only expected to step in and play well if the starter is injured or needs a break. As a result, backup quarterbacks are not paid as much as starting quarterbacks.

However, the average salary for backup quarterbacks has been increasing in recent years. This is due to the increasing importance of the backup quarterback position. In today's NFL, teams need to have a reliable backup quarterback who can step in and play well if the starter is injured. As a result, teams are willing to pay more for backup quarterbacks who have proven that they can perform at a high level.

The average salary for backup quarterbacks is expected to continue to increase in the coming years. This is due to the increasing importance of the backup quarterback position and the increasing demand for quarterbacks who can play at a high level.

Conclusion

The average salary for backup quarterbacks in the NFL is around $2 million per year. This is a significant amount of money, but it is important to remember that backup quarterbacks are not as valuable as starting quarterbacks. However, the average salary for backup quarterbacks has been increasing in recent years due to the increasing importance of the backup quarterback position. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

2. Top earners

The highest-paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL earn a significant salary, with some earning up to $5 million per year. This is due to the increasing importance of the backup quarterback position in today's NFL. Teams are recognizing that they need to have a reliable backup quarterback who can step in and play well if the starter is injured or needs a break. As a result, they are willing to pay more for backup quarterbacks who have proven that they can perform at a high level.

Experience: Backup quarterbacks with more experience tend to earn higher salaries. This is because teams value experience and reliability in a backup quarterback. A quarterback with more experience is more likely to be able to step in and play well if the starter is injured.
Performance: Backup quarterbacks who perform well when called upon can earn higher salaries. This is because teams want to reward quarterbacks who can produce when given the opportunity. A quarterback who performs well in relief appearances is more likely to earn a higher salary in the future.
Team need: Teams that have a greater need for a reliable backup quarterback may be willing to pay more. This is because a team with a weak starting quarterback or a history of injuries at the quarterback position is more likely to value a reliable backup. As a result, these teams may be willing to pay more for a backup quarterback who they believe can step in and play well if needed.
Market value: The market value for backup quarterbacks can fluctuate depending on the supply and demand. When there are more backup quarterbacks available than there are teams looking for them, salaries may be lower. However, when there are more teams looking for backup quarterbacks than there are quarterbacks available, salaries may be higher.

The salaries of the highest-paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL are a reflection of the increasing importance of the backup quarterback position. Teams are recognizing that they need to have a reliable backup quarterback who can step in and play well if the starter is injured or needs a break. As a result, they are willing to pay more for backup quarterbacks who have proven that they can perform at a high level.

3. Experience

In the NFL, experience is a valuable commodity, and this is especially true for backup quarterbacks. Teams are more willing to pay higher salaries to backup quarterbacks with more experience because they know that these quarterbacks are more likely to be able to step in and play well if the starter is injured or needs a break. Backup quarterbacks with more experience have a better understanding of the game and are more likely to be able to make the right decisions under pressure. They are also more likely to be able to lead the team to victory if the starter is injured.

There are several examples of backup quarterbacks with more experience earning higher salaries in the NFL. For example, Jacoby Brissett, who has been a backup quarterback for several teams throughout his career, is set to earn $5 million in 2024. Teddy Bridgewater, another experienced backup quarterback, is set to earn $4.5 million in 2024. These quarterbacks have both proven that they can play at a high level when called upon, and their experience has earned them a higher salary.

The importance of experience for backup quarterbacks cannot be overstated. Teams need to know that they can rely on their backup quarterback to step in and play well if the starter is injured or needs a break. Backup quarterbacks with more experience are more likely to be able to do this, and as a result, they earn higher salaries.

4. Performance

In the NFL, performance is key, and this is especially true for backup quarterbacks. Backup quarterbacks who perform well when called upon can earn higher salaries because they have proven that they can be relied upon to step in and play at a high level. This is a valuable commodity for teams, as they need to know that they have a backup quarterback who can lead the team to victory if the starter is injured or needs a break.

There are several examples of backup quarterbacks who have earned higher salaries due to their performance. For example, Jacoby Brissett, who has been a backup quarterback for several teams throughout his career, is set to earn $5 million in 2024. Brissett has proven that he can play at a high level when called upon, and his performance has earned him a higher salary.

Another example is Teddy Bridgewater, who is set to earn $4.5 million in 2024. Bridgewater has also proven that he can play at a high level when called upon, and his performance has earned him a higher salary.

The importance of performance for backup quarterbacks cannot be overstated. Teams need to know that they can rely on their backup quarterback to step in and play well if the starter is injured or needs a break. Backup quarterbacks who perform well when called upon are more likely to be able to do this, and as a result, they earn higher salaries.

5. Team need

The need for a reliable backup quarterback can vary from team to team. Some teams have a strong starting quarterback who rarely misses games, while other teams have a starting quarterback who is injury-prone or has a history of poor performance. Teams with a greater need for a reliable backup quarterback are more likely to be willing to pay more for one.

For example, the New England Patriots have a strong starting quarterback in Mac Jones, who has only missed one game in his career. As a result, the Patriots are not as likely to be willing to pay a high salary for a backup quarterback. On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a starting quarterback in Mitch Trubisky who has a history of injuries and poor performance. As a result, the Steelers are more likely to be willing to pay a high salary for a reliable backup quarterback.

The practical significance of understanding the connection between team need and backup quarterback salaries is that it can help teams make informed decisions about how much to pay for a backup quarterback. Teams with a greater need for a reliable backup quarterback should be willing to pay more for one, while teams with a less need for a reliable backup quarterback can afford to pay less.

6. Market value

The market value for backup quarterbacks can fluctuate depending on the supply and demand. This means that the salaries of backup quarterbacks can rise and fall depending on how many backup quarterbacks are available and how many teams are looking for backup quarterbacks.

Supply: The supply of backup quarterbacks is determined by the number of quarterbacks who are available to be backups. This includes quarterbacks who are currently backups, as well as quarterbacks who are looking to become backups.
Demand: The demand for backup quarterbacks is determined by the number of teams that are looking for backup quarterbacks. This includes teams that have a starting quarterback who is injury-prone, as well as teams that want to have a reliable backup quarterback in case their starter gets injured.

When the supply of backup quarterbacks is high and the demand is low, the salaries of backup quarterbacks will be lower. This is because teams have more options to choose from, and they are not as desperate to sign a backup quarterback.

However, when the supply of backup quarterbacks is low and the demand is high, the salaries of backup quarterbacks will be higher. This is because teams have fewer options to choose from, and they are more desperate to sign a backup quarterback.

The market value for backup quarterbacks is an important factor to consider when teams are negotiating contracts. Teams need to be aware of the supply and demand for backup quarterbacks in order to get the best possible deal.

7. Negotiating power

Negotiating power is an important factor in determining the salaries of backup quarterbacks. Backup quarterbacks with strong negotiating power can command higher salaries because they are more likely to be able to get the contract that they want. This is especially true for backup quarterbacks who are in high demand.

There are several factors that can affect a backup quarterback's negotiating power. These factors include:

Experience: Backup quarterbacks with more experience are more likely to have stronger negotiating power. This is because they have a proven track record of success and are more likely to be able to step in and play well if the starter is injured or needs a break.
Performance: Backup quarterbacks who perform well when called upon are more likely to have stronger negotiating power. This is because they have shown that they can be a valuable asset to a team.
Team need: Backup quarterbacks who play for teams that have a greater need for a reliable backup are more likely to have stronger negotiating power. This is because teams with a greater need for a reliable backup are more likely to be willing to pay more for one.

Backup quarterbacks with strong negotiating power can use their leverage to get the contract that they want. This can include a higher salary, a longer contract, or other benefits.

The practical significance of understanding the connection between negotiating power and backup quarterback salaries is that it can help backup quarterbacks get the best possible contract. Backup quarterbacks should be aware of their negotiating power and use it to their advantage when negotiating a contract.

FAQs on Backup QB Salaries 2024

This section addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding backup quarterback salaries in 2024, providing clear and informative answers.

Question 1: What is the average salary for a backup quarterback in 2024?

Answer: The average salary for a backup quarterback in 2024 is around $2 million per year.

Question 2: What factors influence backup quarterback salaries?

Answer: Factors influencing backup quarterback salaries include experience, performance, team need, market value, and negotiating power.

Question 3: How much do the highest-paid backup quarterbacks earn?

Answer: The highest-paid backup quarterbacks can earn up to $5 million per year.

Question 4: Why have backup quarterback salaries increased in recent years?

Answer: Backup quarterback salaries have increased due to the growing recognition of their importance and the increasing demand for reliable backups.

Question 5: What is the negotiating power of backup quarterbacks?

Answer: Backup quarterbacks with strong negotiating power can command higher salaries due to their experience, performance, and team need.

Summary: Understanding backup quarterback salaries in 2024 requires considering factors such as experience, performance, team need, market value, and negotiating power. Backup quarterbacks play a crucial role in NFL teams, and their salaries reflect their importance.

Transition: For further insights into backup quarterback salaries and related topics, explore the comprehensive article sections that follow.

Conclusion

The analysis of backup quarterback salaries in 2024 reveals the increasing importance of experienced and reliable backups in the NFL. Teams recognize the value of having a capable quarterback ready to step in when needed, leading to higher salaries for these players.

Factors such as performance, team need, and negotiating power significantly influence backup quarterback salaries. Top performers with proven track records and strong negotiating skills can command higher salaries, reflecting their contributions to team success. The market value of backup quarterbacks fluctuates based on supply and demand, further shaping their earnings.

As backup quarterbacks continue to play a crucial role in NFL teams, their salaries are expected to remain competitive. Understanding these factors provides valuable insights for players, agents, and teams in navigating contract negotiations and assessing the evolving landscape of backup quarterback salaries in 2024 and beyond.